What is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year. The fun and excitement of the festive season is officially over – and somehow the routine of early mornings and everyday life seems like a rude awakening that we could really do without.
Not to mention, by the time the third week in January rolls around, for most of us, it is the longest wait between paydays all year and we are fully spent up from Christmas. So, it is only natural to feel a little deflated and stressed out at this time of year.
When is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday 2023 is on Monday 16th January – this is because it always falls on the third Monday of the year. The date is intentional and it is based on an extra special formula which takes into account several factors. This includes the average cool temperatures outside, the time that has passed since Christmas Day, and the number of weeks since payday, as well as giving enough time for our New Year’s Resolutions to have first been broken.
By now, our mood levels in general and the motivation we once had for a ‘new year, new me’ have dipped giving an altogether more decided case of the Monday Blues even if just for a day.
5 ways to beat Blue Monday
But not to worry, we’re here to tell you that you can get through it and by taking action now, you can curate a positive and uplifting daily routine for today as well giving you the tools you need to tackle the year ahead.
Here are our top 5 ways to beat Blue Monday 2023:
1. Be more mindful – especially before bed
Having trouble sleeping is often related to stress. It can be even trickier to switch off and get to sleep on the so-called most depressing day of the year. Practising mindfulness can improve your sleep quality and helps you drift off more quickly on those nights when you feel extra anxious. Here are our top tips to try at home:
- Find a quiet area and lie down
- Turn off your phone to reduce distractions
- Close your eyes and breathe slowly
- Inhale and exhale deeply
- Focus on your breathing to relax your body and mind
- Think of at least three things you are grateful for today
As a proven relaxation technique, mindful meditation can quieten the mind so you feel calmer and ready for sleep. We recommend making some time before bed so it becomes a regular part of your winddown routine for 2023.
2. Spend more time in nature
Part of being more mindful involves being present and nothing makes you feel more in the moment than spending time away from everyday distractions. Going for a walk helps you clear your head, process your thoughts and make decisions with more clarity and self-awareness.
3. Get lost in a good book
Reading is the purest form of escapism. Call us old-fashioned, but a few chapters of a much-loved paperback before bed helps us unwind like nothing else. Even better if it’s free from the glaring lights and pop-up notifications that can sometimes come with reading from a tablet. Remember that you can’t truly switch off if you’re still plugged in.
4. Be kind to yourself
It is only natural to feel the Monday blues a little more than usual today – so be extra kind to yourself. Whatever you managed to achieve today is enough, and if there was ever a day for a treat, then this is it. Run yourself a bubble bath, light your favourite candles, and indulge yourself in a pamper afternoon or relaxing evening indoors with a cosy film and lots of snacks.
5. Create a sanctuary of sleep
Slow down and unwind in a sanctuary of sleep. Your bed should be a place for rest free of distractions. Now is the time to invest in fresh, new bedding so you can create a haven that you simply can’t wait to sink into at the end of a busy day.
Make this the year that you level up your sleep so you can drift off each night in cushioned comfort. Not sure where to start? Our sleep gifts and accessories are the perfect finishing touches for a touch of luxury to your bedtime routine.
Make time for rest and relaxation
Whatever day of the year it is, you don’t need an excuse to make time for self-care. Our Serenity Collection by Silentnight has been lovingly crafted so you can relax in perfect bliss. Choose from bath oils, candles, pillow mist and more to find your calm. Heavenly sleep awaits.